Young Goodman Brown Essays Example

1: Is Goodman Brown surprised to encounter a second traveler on the road or does he seem to expect him? What is the significance of the encounter? What do you make of the fact that the stranger bears a strong resemblance to Goodman Brown?
One thinks that Goodman Brown expected the second traveler. This can be concluded from the fact that when the old man saw him, he said that he is late which means that the old man is expecting Goodman and vice versa. Goodman is also aware that he is about to experience something evil; thus, requesting Faith to say her prayers. The encounter is symbolic because it is a confrontation between the good and evil nature of man, in this case, Goodman Brown.
The resemblance of Goodman Brown to the stranger is not a coincidence. Hawthorne intended it to be that way because the old man represents the dark or evil side of Goodman Brown. It is a meeting of the good side and the bad side of Goodman Brown.2. "Young Goodman Brown" has two distinct settings: the woods and Salem. What are the differences of the settings and what are the significance of each setting?
The woods as described by Hawthorne is a dark place covered by gloomy trees. It is a creepy place wherein the devil may be hiding. The woods symbolizes that which is evil and bad. On the other hand, Salem is a small, quiet village. This place symbolized that which is pure, innocent and good. These two distinct settings are exact opposites. One can either choose to stay in the woods, that is one’s evil side, or stay at Salem, where it is peaceful and where goodness prevails.